Question

The New-Year Babe

TWO together, Babe and Year,
At the midnight chime,
Through the darkness drifted here
To the coast of Time.

5 Two together, Babe and Year,
Over night and day,
Crossed the desert Winter drear1
To the land of May.

On together, Babe and Year
10 Swift to Summer passed.
"Rest a moment, Brother dear,"
Said the Babe at last.

"Nay, but onward," answered Year,
"We must farther go,
15 Through the Vale2 of Autumn sere3
To the Mount of Snow."

Toiling upward, Babe and Year
Climbed the frozen height.
"We may rest together here,
20 Brother Babe,—Good-night!"

Then together Babe and Year
Slept; but ere the dawn,
Vanishing, I know not where,
Brother Year was gone!
1. gloomy
2. a small valley
3. withered

How does Year's sudden disappearance add to the meaning of the poem?
A. It explains why the setting constantly changes and becomes more difficult as the two characters travel together.
B. It shows that even the best of friends can grow apart during hard times.
C. It highlights the theme that while times passes away, life will continue on through time.
D. It describes how the seasons progress as time slowly passes by.

Answer 1

Year's disappearance in the poem underscores the fleeting nature of time and the inevitable progression of life that continues as time passes away.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sudden disappearance of Year in the poem adds meaning by highlighting the concept that time is ephemeral and transitions are seamless and often unnoticed. Year's departure signifies the inevitable progression of time and symbolizes the end of a cycle, which in turn makes room for a new beginning with the Babe (the new year). The cycle of the seasons within the poem mirrors life's constant, cyclical nature of change and renewal.

Therefore, the correct answer to how Year's sudden disappearance adds to the meaning of the poem is option C: It highlights the theme that while time passes away, life will continue on through time.